It’s the weekend and I just wanted to pass along some quick weekend knowledge on you really quick. It seems to me a lot of my friends are always complaining about how they were cheated from an ebay seller, so i’m going to give you some quick helpful tips on how to buy effectively from ebay!

The first thing you want to do, of course, is find what you’re looking for, whether that be cards, boosters, or tins. Now after you’ve found what you’re looking for it’s time to compare pricing, look at the price and the shipping. One of the main things people get cheated on is an overpriced shipping charge they didn’t notice because they were baited by a low item cost.

After you find a great deal let’s investigate the seller! Look at their rating and feedback, if the have a dangerously low rating or extensively negative feedback, it’s time to move on. Upon finding a respectable seller and the item you want at the price you can deal with, READ THE DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY. It’s most important part, read the description twice. Be sure you know exactly what it is you’re buying, if you don’t fully understand the description message the seller and ask what it means.

Now another great tip, taking advantage or the “best offer” button. This is the ability to make an offer of the seller that is below the actual asking price. Don’t think you can severely undercut the seller with a offer thats half the asking price, be smart. Offer about eighty percent of the asking price the first time, if the seller sends a counter offer you have a little wiggle room, however, if you like the seller’s offer just take it. Otherwise you’re pretty much out of luck.

Ok pokefans, I’m going to get some much needed rest this weekend. I’ll see you guys on Monday until then, your best bet to contact me is on the forums. While you’re there post your haves and wants so we can possibly trade. A great giveaway is going on as well check it out!

Hey there pokefans it is now Friday and time for the weekly card watch! In lieu if Wednesday’s strategy update this weeks card is: Dialga G Lv.X from the Platinum Base Set.

Dialga G Lv.x is a great card in many senses, but of course being the card watch we’ll first review it’s standalone capabilities. Alone Dialga G Lv.X is fairly formidable to have on the field with it’s ability to negate enemy pokebodies. Another great aspect about this card is it’s energy theft attack Remove Lost. Which can remove as many energy cards as heads you flip. Most good battle trainers know how to flip a coin so that it lands on the side they want it to making this attack nearly priceless. At two metal energy and two normal energy Remove Lost is fairly easy to obtain as long as you have the right cards.

The downsides are fairly big but can be covered for. Dialga G Lv.X has a weakness of fire times two, meaning any fire attack it’s hit with will do double the damage, this pretty much makes you sitting duck for any fire Pokemon with a decent attack and low energy cost. The retreat cost is two energy of any type but honestly if you’ve got Dialga G Lv.X on the field, you probably aren’t trying to retreat anytime soon.

Combo possibilities are pretty cut and dry, get it the energy it needs and keep it alive. That’s all this card is really built for, fearsome although barely versatile. I would recommened energy switch/search. Lots of healing support and anything you can to cover for it’s weaknesses.

Let’s review, as standalone Dialga G Lv.X can pack a powerful punch with it’s energy thief effect and ability to block the opponent’s pokebodies. With support It’s can be a sweeper(defeat all of the enemies Pokemon). Of course that is assuming you have the skill to get it in your hand onto the field and packed with the necessary energy. I personally give this card a 4.5/5 only because of  it’s major fire weakness.

It’s Wednesday and I’m going to give you a strategy update. Today we’re gonna learn about the Might of Steel which used to be a fairly popular tournament deck idea. The deck concept or strategy isn’t outdated, it simply lost it’s popularity for over usage and obvious weak points.

First, the overview  the Might of Steel deck is virtually a steel type based deck centered around quick strong hits. Most Might of Steel decks feature Dialga G Lv.X as it’s powerhouse.  The secondary deck type is usually dark or normal if any because they seemingly fit hand in hand. It’s made for strong attacks reinforced by a lot of HP.

The body of this deck is usually composed of Dialga/Dialga G, Metagross, it’s pre-evolutions, and either many standalone steel creatures or those of a secondary type. The support for this deck includes special metal energies most of the time. As the deck is revolved around a “keystone” card or card the deck is made to bring to the field there are a lot of searcher supporters. The searchers may include, Bebe’s Search,Premier Ball,Dusk Ball, etc. to receive both energy and Pokemon.  Other than those you don’t see many trainers in a Might of Steel deck. Occasionally you may find someone running(using in their deck) a few warp points or even moonlight stadium for those reinforced by dark or psychic type.

The positive sides of this deck are a very strong offense and enough defense to take a couple of hits.  Dialga G Lv.X can stop the effects of annoying enemy pokebodies of course this is at the cost of your own. Another upside is the fact Dialga G. Lv.X is an energy thief forcing your opponent to resupply every turn if the coin flip goes your way. Downsides of the might of steel are also plentiful. Many metal type Pokemon are large energy consumers making it possible to find yourself stuck with no way to attack if you suddenly have to switch Pokemon in the middle of battle. In reality if you can’t control the flow from the beginning of the match with the Might of Steel, you’ll probably lose.

Considering all of these elements I personally give this deck strategy a 3/5. It can be highly effect for people who are masters of hiding or strengthening shortcomings. If you’ve ever used this deck strategy let me know how it went for you. That’s about all for now pokefans and I’ll see you Friday.

Well, on Monday I usually update you guys with general news relating to the Pokemon TCG, however, besides the future release of HS – Unleashed not much is happening. So, I suppose I’ll have to speak to you about something else. So today I will tell you about how to spot a good trade. It’s fairly simple in relation to many other card games.

When beginning any kind of trade that isn’t in person, you want to be sure the person you’re trading with is a respectable, trustworthy person. Try and find people on trade forums that seem to have a fairly good reputation. Once you find trustworthy people browse their have and want lists until you find something you need or want. Most people don’t advertise they’re commons/uncommons on trading sites, so if you’re trying to complete a set, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

Before initiating any trade make sure the know the condition of the card you’re opting to trade for. Pictures are always nice, front and back. Don’t fall for cards that seem good because the picture quality is horrible, if the picture itself looks shady move on. It’s very rare someone will trade out fake cards, but, occasionally it does happen pay close attention to all the details of the card. I’ll have to inform you how to spot a fake on a different slow news day, but most fake cards are obvious fakes.

Now then, the trading process once all particulars are decided. I like to use a trading service, the must trusted for me is www.tradingcardescrow.com oh wait…that’s here! Well enough kidding around for me, these sites are a very trustworthy way to trade safely, and securely. You won’t have to worry about giving strangers your address. Now, something I like to do that make most of my trade partners happy is look through my doubles and triples I’m not particularly attached to and throw them in as a free gift. I’m not saying it’s a must, but, building friends in the community is always a good thing. Don’t be a jerk and throw in some random commons though that would just annoy people, at least make them reverse holographics.

I have entrusted you with my super trading knowledge, put it to good use and make some great trades. Be sure to check out the forum here as well, it’s small at the moment so help make it big! My list is there as well, I’d be happy to trade with you all. Now then pokefans you know what to do and, i’ll see you on Wednesday.

Hey there pokefans, just wanna give you a quick hello today and talk about how trainer cards can beef your deck. We all know trainers are used to support our Pokemon in several different ways. I’m going to try and enlighten you a little bit so that you can find the correct trainer cards that fit your niche.

Trainers have various effects and it’s important to find the ones that fit your play style or you’ll find yourself just staring at them in your hand. For instance if your game plan is to evolve your Pokemon as soon as possible you may want to stack a few premier balls. If you find yourself the type who is always short on energy find supporters that let your draw cards. It’s a very simple formula, use trainers to strengthen your obvious weaknesses.

If you believe you have all your weaknesses in check strengthen your strong points. Whether that may be to use trainers to give you Pokemon a little extra punch or, to keep them alive a little longer.

Allow me to give you a few examples: If for instance you’re play style is hit and away, which mean you attack with a certain Pokemon then retreat it to the bench quickly, packing your deck with switch is an obvious choice. If you’re using a strategy that burn a lot of energy, energy search and energy switch are great cards to have.

Let’s not forget about stadium trainer cards. These cards are great support for any kind of deck if you have one that fits your needs. Use stadium cards to strengthen your weaknesses more than strong points because stadiums stay in effect while normal trainers are discarded immediately after use. They are double edged swords as they effect your opponent’s Pokemon as well so be sure it’s actually worth using before adding them to your deck.

I have to admit, I don’t think I helped out too much with this one, but you at least get the picture. Use trainers for two purposes: To strengthen your weaknesses and reinforce your strong points. Stadium cards effect you as well as your opponent’s Pokemon so stay attentive. Finally, never flood your deck with trainers energy and Pokemon are much more important.  If you have a certain deck in mind and need help with reinforcing it, shoot me a comment down below I’ll see if I can help you out. Well then, I’m going to leave you alone so you can attempt to decode what the heck my tips meant. Catch ya later pokefans.

Quick update pokefans, in may a new expansion is coming our way! This new set will be called HS – Unleashed, and is scheduled to be released this may. Although it seems the HG/SS base set just hit the shelves not to long ago we’re already getting some new treats to munch on.

HS – Unleashed will feature six new prime cards, can I get a hell yeah? As to what those prime cards are, I choose not to spoil it for you in case you’re the type who loves surprises. I will say however, I don’t think battle trainers nor collector will be disappointed by the fabulous new cards in the upcoming expansion. The set seems to feature Heart Gold/Soul Silvers legendary dogs, but just to warn you I may not be hinted at any primes. I know what you’re thinking “Well you obviously are”. Then perhaps I should drop the bombshell of THREE NEW LEGEND CARDS.

Thats right I said three new legend cards that can only be assumed to feature: Suicune, Raikou, and Entei. Now, I could be wrong so don’t place any wagers on it, but honestly what else could they be? Following suit of the two original legend cards each will be two pieces, a top half, and a bottom half. Whether you love it or hate it, I think legend cards are going to be around for quite awhile Nintendo seems to think they have a winner with this one.

Now I’m hoping to see some eevee evolutions in this upcoming set, but, I won’t hold my breath. The closest thing to eevee evolutions have been on the new revised energy cards. I’m sorry I can’t provide an official card list at the time, I’ll keep you updated as time progresses and more information is known.

In summary the HS-Unleashed expansion is being released in may with, three new legend cards(six pieces total), and six new prime cards. I don’t know about you but I’m going to pre-order myself a booster box as soon as possible. That’s about all for now pokefans, until next time let the good times roll.

It’s march in we’re in the middle of tournament season as, city championships are slowly drawing to a close and regional championships are quickly drawing closer. Now I won’t do any hands on coverage of the tournaments, but I will tell you how you can get involved and over time give you some good strategies to take in there with you.

Pokemon Organized Play(POP) has been around for about as long as the cards have and have never ceased to bring great competition with a friendly atmosphere. It’s done all across the world so no matter where are you can find an event near you. However, don’t go into these tournaments thinking you’re going to win big money, you’d best think again. Considering the tournament are held to appeal to the younger generation scholarships are the top prizes.

I know you’re thinking “then why the heck do I want to join?”, well in my case it was for the fun, and the free promo cards you get from collecting premier points. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, first off to enter you just show up at your first tournament where you must tell the organizers that you need a POP ID, which will be provided to you. Simple enough right? Afterwards upon returning home from the tournament you need to make a “My Pokemon” account on the official website.

Now back to premier points, depending where you place in the tournament you are awarded trainer points which can be use to get POP Boosters. Back when I was active that was about all there was worth getting who knows what they offer now. In my experience tournaments were great fun and a good way to make new friends in you area with similar hobbies. Not to mention great trade buddies. Well then, I guess i’ll leave you to ponder upon thought of tournaments pokefans catch ya laters. Oh by the way, rules are here. Official site is here